Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $310,741 in federal funding for the Worker Justice Center of New York in Rochester. The funding was allocated through the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs and will be used for legal and support services for those impacted by human trafficking.
“This money is absolutely critical to better protect and help the victims of human trafficking,” said Senator Schumer. “People who have been through such a terrible, life-endangering situation don’t just need a safe place to stay, they need comprehensive services that can help them get back on their feet and move forward with confidence, and Worker Justice Center of New York will provide that. I have long fought for this kind of funding and will continue to do so in the future.”
“This is an important investment that will help so many people impacted by human trafficking,” said Senator Gillibrand. “With this funding, Rochester residents will be better prepared to identify and respond to the needs of victims of human trafficking and I am pleased the Worker Justice Center of New York will be able to continue to educate the public and provide much needed support and legal services for survivors of human trafficking.”
“The Worker Justice Center of New York is very appreciative of the support given to us by the Department of Justice/Office for Victims of Crimes. We are fortunate to have a dedicated, committed staff who have worked tirelessly to combat human trafficking in New York State,” said Lewis Papenfuse, Executive Director of Worker Justice Center of New York. “The Worker Justice Center of New York intends to use the funding to enhance our work in providing representation and other services to victims throughout New York State. We feel that not only the victims benefit from this assistance but that it also creates a more just and safe community at large.”
The funding is authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2000 and was reauthorized and revised in the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 and the Violence Against Women Act of 2013. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand were cosponsors of this legislation.